Aisling Reilly
West Belfast · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“As well as thanking every one of the victims and survivors who have contributed, I take the opportunity to also thank the Members of the House past and present and, in particular, the Committee Chair and Committee members, who worked so diligently and carefully to study and examine the Bill, to listen to victims and survivors and to bring…”
“Dealing with that injustice was core to the approach of the Bill. <BR /> <BR />Before concluding deliberations on the Bill, I will bring our focus back to the women and children — now adults — their families and all survivors whose experiences have brought us to this point.”
“It is only by addressing the truths hidden in dark shadows that we can begin to properly shine a light on a society that continues to violate and oppress too many women and girls and to make sure that it never happens again and that, together, we commit to breaking the cycle of harm and violence against women and girls.”
“I hope that it now respects and fulfils the wishes of the women and girls who, for many decades, have suffered and been silenced. <BR /> <BR />It is a large, complex and sensitive piece of legislation. It is, no doubt, much more complex legislation than it first appeared, and there were many factors to balance.”
“<BR /> <BR />For some, the prospect of engaging with the inquiry may feel daunting. For that reason, we listened to victims and survivors when they told us that they wanted us to create a dual investigation, so that individuals had the option to engage with an expert independent panel and provide testimony in a different and more informal…”
“I say to the people who are still considering whether to come forward that your testimony matters. To those who have spent years searching for answers, I say that the inquiry will seek those answers.”
The complete record
Every one of 620 lines we hold for Aisling Reilly, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 13.
“You will also know that supporting victims and survivors has been at the heart of the work of the Executive Office over the past 15 years. During that time, Ministers and officials in that Department have worked to develop a range of programmes and supports for those harmed by our past, whether that was through violence during our conflict or through historical abuse of different kinds. A significant part of the Department's work and resources is now focused on dealing with historical harms, from the victims and survivors strategy to the Regional Trauma Network, the victims' payments scheme and the historical institutional abuse redress scheme.”
“As Ministers, we are committed to the work, to improving safeguarding and to making sure that victims and survivors are properly supported. What has stayed with me most from my meetings is not just the horror of what people endured but their dignity and determination and their deep desire of those people to ensure that what happened to them is neither denied nor repeated. Therefore, let me restate this: your voices matter, and your voices will continue to shape the work as we move forward. As Ministers, we take our responsibility to listen to your experiences very seriously. <BR /> <BR />Members will know only too well that the pain of the past still runs deep across our society. Many of you have supported victims and survivors over many years, and you will understand that no two experiences or needs are the same.”
“On behalf of all Ministers in the Executive Office and on the Executive, I express our deepest sympathy to everyone who was harmed. <BR /> <BR />What happened represents a grave failure by individuals, by institutions and by the systems that did not listen, did not act and did not protect children. For many survivors, even that acknowledgement has come far too late; I recognise that. We know that delay has only added to their pain, but let me say this: victims and survivors deserve the truth, justice and, above all, to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion in everything that we do. <BR /> <BR />I recognise the strength and courage that it takes to speak about such experiences. I have met many victims and survivors of clerical child abuse, and I know how much strength it takes to tell your story, often at great personal cost.”
“I commend all Members who have spoken in the debate on the tone of their contributions. I acknowledge openly and from the heart the profound harm that has been caused by clerical child abuse. For many victims and survivors of child abuse in faith-based settings, that abuse was not only something that happened and ended in childhood but a deep violation that has followed them into adulthood and shaped every part of their life: their physical and mental health, their relationships, their faith, their identity and whether they feel that the world is safe. Too many lived for years — sometimes decades — without being believed, supported or protected by the very people and institutions that should have stepped in and acted.”
“As I have said, the Executive Office constantly engages across the Executive with other Departments and Ministers. However, the issues that the Member raised are specifically within the Justice Minister's remit.”
“We also have the Executive Office's minority ethnic development fund, which is approximately £1 million per annum; the planned interventions programme; and a range of other programmes, including Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC), that provide funding to promote inclusion and integration. There is also the central good relations fund and the Communities in Transition programme, which, with a budget of £2·9 million, is delivering 35 projects that are focused on resilience and tackling paramilitarism.”
“As I have mentioned, the Executive Office and the wider Executive have made it very clear that everyone is entitled to feel safe and be safe in our society. Racism and sectarianism have absolutely no place in our communities. There are no excuses for it, and we, as political leaders, have a responsibility to show leadership, call out racism and stand with victims of intimidation, discrimination and violence, and we will continue to do that. <BR /> <BR />The Executive Office has a number of programmes to help support that work. Over £500,000 in additional funding has been provided since the summer to fund projects that promote inclusion and integration.”
“It is important that we constantly look for new avenues and new partnerships so that we can keep working together across government, councils, voluntary groups and communities to make sure that those who want to call this place home feel safe, supported and valued. We all share a responsibility to make that possible.”
“As I mentioned, it is a cross-cutting issue. We need to continue working with all Ministers across the Executive. <BR /> <BR />Families came here hoping that this place would finally be somewhere that they could build a stable and peaceful life. We can never lose sight of the fact that they are human beings who are looking for nothing more than what any of us would want for our families. <BR /> <BR />Our Department and officials have been working hard to support communities so that people feel welcome and safe. As I mentioned, that is done by providing funding to local councils and community organisations specifically to strengthen cohesion, integration and good relations. However, funding alone is not enough.”
“In recognition of that, the Executive Office is leading a dedicated community cohesion group. It is working collaboratively across Departments, sectors and communities to bring people together to create safer and more supportive environments. The Education Authority (EA) has also provided a range of support for children impacted on, including supporting children in Ballymena to return to school. In addition, it is working with Belfast City Council to bring together 14 schools affected by the unrest across Belfast for cluster working and racial literacy training for teachers. A follow-up good relations programme is also planned with the EA and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in the spring and summer to help to address misinformation and race-related incidents.”
“We, along with our Executive colleagues, have made it very clear that all acts of violence and intimidation are abhorrent and have no place in our society. Everyone, regardless of race, religion or background, is entitled to feel safe and be safe, free from threat or intimidation. The Executive Office provides funding of over £7 million to local organisations and councils to support cohesion and integration and to address good relations issues. An additional allocation of £220,000 was distributed to councils to address issues around racial and social cohesion. In parallel, work has progressed on the Executive Office crisis fund, which could be used to support those at risk of destitution or homelessness. <BR /> <BR />Enhancing community cohesion is very much a cross-cutting issue that requires a collective and joined-up approach.”
“I associate myself with your comments on that. The recent revelations, alongside those of a historical nature that the research on clerical abuse speaks to, are a stark reminder of the need for a consistent and sustained focus on safeguarding. No longer can there be situations where warning signs are missed, organisations fail to act or investigations are not prioritised when concerns are raised. Safeguarding requires constant improvement and vigilance. That means adherence to robust procedures, clear mandatory reporting, proper records, accountability and a culture where the protection of children and vulnerable people comes first. It is only by making sure that those systems are strong, independently scrutinised and continually reviewed that we can demonstrate a commitment to learning from the past and preventing failures in the future.”
“When you hear directly from victims and survivors, it reiterates the importance of how we handle this work going forward. As I said in my original answer, we are considering our next steps. We are still working our way through the reports with officials, and we will continue to engage with victims and survivors. Of course, we will bring any updates to Members.”
“My thoughts are with every person who has lived through clerical child abuse. What they faced was horrific. The impact of that does not just disappear; it is with them every day. They should never have been put into that position or have faced that horrific abuse. As I said, I have had the chance to sit down with some of the victims and survivors, and I will be honest: the conversations were emotional and, at times, difficult, but I am grateful for their trust and for the time that they took to speak with me.”
“However, we reiterate the PSNI's appeal for any victims and survivors to come forward, and we trust that everyone will cooperate fully with the investigation.”
“<BR /> <BR />On 10 November, the First Minister and deputy First Minister met Lisa Caldwell, the independent chair of the interdepartmental working group (IDWG), to discuss the reports and the IDWG recommendations. Officials continue to engage with victims and survivors, whose views we will take into account as we move forward. Our deliberations on the reports continue, and no decisions on next steps have been made. <BR /> <BR />The research has highlighted the importance of current-day safeguarding practice. We note that the PSNI has announced that it has launched a criminal investigation and established a dedicated team following safeguarding concerns at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. As it is a live investigation, we would not want to say anything that might prejudice it.”
“Clerical child abuse has had a devastating impact. I express our deepest sympathies to and solidarity with all victims and survivors of that terrible abuse. Throughout the process, previous junior Minister Cameron and I have engaged with victims and survivors to hear their stories and their views on what is needed. Junior Minister Bunting and I will continue to do that. <BR /> <BR />We are very grateful to all those who participated in the process and shared their experiences. Work has been completed on three separate pieces of research: one of which examined records held by faith organisations and statutory agencies; one recorded experiences and expectations of victims and survivors; and one examined the safeguarding policies and practices of faith groups. We have received the research reports and are giving them careful consideration.”
“. I wish the team every success in its Ulster campaign. The whole community of the Whiterock Road and west Belfast is behind you. Maith sibh.”
“With volunteers and coaches at all levels, from "babymentals", Gaelic4Mothers&Others and social teams right through to senior level for boys and girls, the GAA plays a vital role in the lives of so many people. <BR /> <BR />What is even more special about Sunday's win is the legacy that it will leave behind for the next generation of young hurlers and camogs who are coming up through the ranks. They will look at that team and know that, through hard work, belief and resilience, anything is possible. Maith sibh, a chairde. Comhghairdeas.”
“to everyone at Naomh Eoin Cumann Lúthchleas Gael on bringing the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship title back to the Whiterock Road in west Belfast after a 52-year wait; an incredible achievement for the players, management and every single person who is connected to the club. <BR /> <BR />Of course, we know that a win like that does not happen overnight and does not come out of thin air. It is the result of years of behind-the-scenes work from generations of Naomh Eoin Gaels. Those who trained on a wet night, stood on the sideline or lifted a hurl for the club have played their part in that win. Naomh Eoin, like all GAA clubs, is more than bricks and mortar; it is a family and a cornerstone of our community. As a proud member of Naomh Pól, I am acutely aware of that.”
“Through the civil contingencies strategic risk management project, work is ongoing to identify where all those interactions occur and to act as a catalyst for even closer cross-departmental working in the space. <BR /> <BR />I hope that I have been able to demonstrate how many of the actions contained in the motion are already under way, but that does not mean that we rest on our laurels. We are not and cannot be complacent. We are continuously learning and adapting, and we will continue to do so.”
“By strengthening personal and community resilience, we will enable the Executive to focus their resources where they are needed most, to protect the most vulnerable, restore essential services more quickly and minimise disruption across society. That is a shared endeavour that demands leadership, collaboration and a renewed commitment to preparedness at every level. The Executive are committed to delivering that leadership and promoting that collaboration. All Departments, strategic stakeholders and operational partners are working together across the civil contingencies risk landscape to make sure that operational plans that respond to any emergency are not designed and delivered in isolation.”
“In that regard, we are progressing a review and revamp of the content of the nidirect platform in order to improve communications and make sure that clear, accessible and timely information is available to the public in preparation for, during and after emergencies. <BR /> <BR />Our primary duty is to protect those who live here, although that duty is not ours alone. I refer not only to the Executive; there is a role to play for everyone, far beyond the Executive — for MLAs, local government, public bodies and the community itself. We want to empower communities and individuals to prepare for, respond to and recover effectively from emergencies when they strike. That means fostering and supporting stronger community networks in which neighbours support one another and local organisations are empowered and equipped to respond.”
“The decision to close schools in the areas covered by the weather warning was taken by the Education Authority, which holds the operational responsibility and duty of care for pupils and staff. As we are aware and has been mentioned, the Minister of Education commissioned an internal review, following storm Amy, which will consider the communication methods used by the Education Authority and assess the planning and decision-making processes that were utilised. <BR /> <BR />As is highlighted in the motion, it is vital to consider the way in which we communicate with the public during emergencies. We share the view that communication and coordination have to be clear, timely and effective.”
“There is more work to be done, and it is being done alongside and in partnership with the private sector to make sure that all our essential utilities services are resilient and can be relied on by all in emergency situations. <BR /> <BR />I will turn to the most recent storm: storm Amy. It should be noted that, while it was a named storm, it was not declared to be a major incident by any of our blue-light organisations. In line with the principle of subsidiarity, which is outlined in our civil contingencies framework, the response was managed at the operational level by local government, the Department for Infrastructure, NIE Networks and other key stakeholders.”
“We acknowledge that the security of the electricity supply is a key priority for the Department for the Economy and that its officials are working closely with SONI and the Utility Regulator, who also have statutory responsibilities for security of supply through the real-time operation of the power system, and who continually monitor the situation and provide regular updates. <BR /> <BR />Despite an increase in renewable energy generation and the additional clean capacity that it provides, the electricity system remains reliant on conventional fossil fuel generation to make sure that it can meet fluctuating electricity demand and maintain the stability of the electricity system.”
“There will be times when, because of measures to mitigate any immediate risk to life, we will be inconvenienced by temporary closures of facilities, businesses or schools or impacted on by transport delays. For the most part, those inconveniences are unavoidable, but the measures are to keep people safe. <BR /> <BR />Of course, the impacts are felt more strongly when they disrupt essential utilities such as electricity, water supply, internet access and mobile phone networks — utilities that have become indispensable in modern life and are seen as being a lifeline, particularly for our rural and isolated communities. They are heavily relied upon, and any disruption is acutely felt.”
“<BR /> <BR />Those weather events have required a whole-of-society response, and it is only right that we continue to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our front-line staff, emergency responders and local volunteers who stepped up in very challenging circumstances. <BR /> <BR />The saying goes that you cannot predict the weather, but, as the proposer of the motion noted, we have seen more frequent and more severe weather events here over recent years. That places even greater importance on preparations and the need for us to expect the unexpected. With severe weather events come impacts that develop across society, causing disruption to everyday life.”
“Additionally, we saw the local impacts of a low-impact rain warning on our communities in Newcastle this weekend, with 90 incidents reported to the Department for Infrastructure. I echo the comments of others in the Chamber in saying that our thoughts are with those who have been affected by that. The Minister for Communities has just left the Chamber, but I have been told that the scheme for emergency financial assistance, which is operated by his Department, was activated this morning and that local government environmental health staff have begun to arrange visits to those who have been affected. If Members are working with anybody in those constituencies, I point them in that direction to make sure that those who have been affected are supported.”
“I thank Members for their important contributions to the debate. I thank the proposer of the motion for giving us the opportunity to highlight the work that is under way across the Executive and local government to prepare for, respond to and recover from severe weather events. Members referenced other Departments and Ministers, and I will try to touch on them as much as I can. If I do not cover them all, I am sure that the Departments will be happy to respond to Members' specific queries. <BR /> <BR />Given where we sit on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, we are not unfamiliar with severe weather conditions. As a result, we have well-exercised response arrangements in place. However, it is clear that recent storms such as Darragh, Éowyn and Amy have tested the resilience of our systems, our infrastructure and our communities.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Níl cúis ar bith le moill ar bith ar na ceapacháin sa phróiseas seo. Tá súil agam, mar a dúirt mé, an fógra oifigiúil sin a dhéanamh go han-luath. Tá an ról a imreoidh na coimisinéirí seo ríthábhachtach lena chinntiú go ndéanfaidh ár n-iarracht chomhroinnte meas a chosaint agus go gcuirfear sin ar aghaidh go dtí na glúnta atá le teacht. Tá mise ag dúil go mór le ceapachán na gcoimisinéirí sin agus ag dúil go mór le bheith ag obair leo uile nuair a bheidh siad sa ról sin.”
“. They go for coffee as Gaeilge and go to youth clubs, play sport, do their messages, sing songs, watch films and TV shows and live their lives through the medium of Irish. Those are people of all ages and at all stages of their language journey. I think of my nephew, who is five years old, in primary 1 and completely fluent, and of my mother, who learned the language later in life and was able to gain employment in the Irish-medium education sector. Supporting the language properly and making it visible in public services and provisions is essential to building a society that is representative of the richness of culture that exists here. That is a society that is built on fairness, equality and justice.”
“Absolutely. My stance, as someone who was born and reared with the Irish language, will shock nobody. I know, see and have learned the incredible importance of an Gaeilge, but, of course, it is so important that best practice standards in the use of an Gaeilge are promoted across public services and, indeed, across our society. More and more people use the language gach uile lá”
“Tá mé sásta a chur in iúl go bhfuil an próiseas earcaíochta maidir leis an stiúrthóir agus na baill eile den Oifig um Fhéiniúlacht agus Léiriú Cultúrtha, maidir leis an Choimisinéir Teanga don Ghaeilge agus maidir leis an Choimisinéir um Thraidisiún na nAlbanach Uladh agus na mBriotanach Uladh ag teacht chun críche agus go ndéanfaimid fógraí a chur amach in am agus i dtráth.”
“Ní bagairt é an comhionannas. <BR /> <BR />Is cinneadh stairiúil é cinneadh na Comhairle, cinneadh dearfach. Thiocfadh le beartas Chomhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste a bheith ar cheann de na beartais teanga is forásaí ar an oileán seo. Is tiomantas é do chearta Gaeilgeoirí, d’fhorbairt ár bpobail, agus do theanga atá mar chuid den oidhreacht chomhchoiteann againn a chur chun cinn. <BR /> <BR />Is cúis dóchais é comhaontú na comhairle. Tá an beartas ina chéim chun tosaigh, céim i dtreo Béal Feirste a thugann daoine le chéile, cathair ina ndéantar an Ghaeilge a chaomhnú agus a cheiliúradh.”
“Is mór idir an saol a bhí agamsa mar Ghael óg agus an saol a bheidh ag mo nia, agus a bhuíochas sin ar an obair a rinne Sinn Féin agus páirtithe eile, ar an obair a rinne grúpaí agus gníomhaithe teanga, orainne uile a tháinig amach ar na sráideanna — ar ghrúpaí a throid go dian, sa Teach seo, i gcomhairlí áitiúla, agus i ngrúpaí pobail — dá thairbhe sin, fásfaidh mo nia aníos i sochaí ina n-aithneofar agus ina mbeidh meas ar a theanga. <BR /> <BR />Ar an drochuair, i ndiaidh an chinneadh sin a ghlacadh, rinneadh bagairt ar áiseanna de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste. Ba cheart na bagairtí a rinne grúpaí paraimíleata dílseoirí inné a cháineadh go soiléir neamhbhalbh. Ní mór do cheannairí polaitíochta seasamh le chéile i gcoinne na mbagairtí sin, go huile agus go hiomlán. <BR /> <BR />Ní bagairt í an Ghaeilge.”
“D’aontaigh Comhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste beartas nua Gaeilge an tseachtain seo caite. Is é is aidhm don bheartas cearta Gaeilgeoirí a neartú agus infheictheacht na teanga a mhéadú ar fud na cathrach. <BR /> <BR />Tá Ghaeilge agam ón chliabhán. D’fhreastail mé ar scoil lánGhaeilge. D’oibrigh mé in earnáil na Gaeilge, agus úsáidim Gaeilge gach uile lá. Is Gaeilgeoir fosta é mo nia. Tá sé ceithre bliana d’aois.”
“Leanfaimid orainn ag stocaireacht sa tSeomra seo agus níos faide anonn ar son a gceart, ar son tacaíochta agus ar son infheistíocht chuí. Tá dul chun cinn á dhéanamh, ach tá bealach le dul go fóill, agus leanfaimid linn, go bródúil bríomhar.”
“<BR /> <BR />Tá seasca faoin gcéad de Ghaelscoileanna ó Thuaidh lonnaithe go fóill i gcóiríocht shealadach neamhshásúil, agus tháinig titim thubaisteach ar líon na ndaltaí atá ag roghnú na Gaeilge mar ábhar TGMO sna meánscoileanna Béarla le 20 bliain anuas. Tá earnáil na luathbhlianta Gaeilge ag snámh in aghaidh an easa, nó tá méadú suntasach ar an éileamh ar a seirbhísí tráth atá an stát fuarchúiseach sa scéal, rud a chuireann tuilleadh brú airgeadais, acmhainní agus foirne ar an earnáil. Leanann Gaeilgeoirí orthu ag streachailt ar son infheictheachta sa réimse poiblí i gcomhairlí ar fud an Tuaiscirt, pé acu i gcomharthaí sráide dátheangacha nó i mbrandáil comhairle. <BR /> <BR />Ach lig dom é seo a rá: seasaimid leis na Gaeil nuair a thugann said na sráideanna orthu féin.”
“Tá an Ghaeilge faoi bhláth. Tá líon na bhfoghlaimeoirí ag fás, tá earnáil na Gaelscolaíochta ag borradh léi, agus tá coimisinéir teanga le ceapadh gan mhoill. Is léir go bhfuil an Ghaeilge ag dul ó neart go neart. Tá sé ríthábhachtach go dtacaímidne uile anseo sa tSeomra seo leis an fhás sin. <BR /> <BR />In ainneoin an dul chun cinn atá déanta, b’éigean do bhreis agus 25 000 Gael ó gach aon chearn den oileán sráideanna Bháile Átha Cliath a thabhairt orthu féin Dé Sathairn seo a chuaigh thart. Mé féin ina measc agus mé bródúil as bheith ann ag seasamh gualainn má gualainn le pobal na Gaeilge. Bhí 25 000 Gael ar na sráideanna – bródúil agus bríomhar – ag éileamh a gceart. Ag éileamh infheistíocht agus aitheantas cuí don Ghaeilge san oideachas, sa tithíocht agus sa reachtaíocht.”
“We are assured, however, that the board is keeping the processes under review in order to look for ways to improve the rate of flow of the cases. Also, on prioritising —.”
“Thanks for that question. We completely understand the concerns that have been raised about the time that it is taking to process applications. Each application to the scheme is unique and comes with its own complexities, and the progress of applications can require additional or supporting information from external organisations. There are also some challenges with getting access to medical information, but our officials are working really closely with Department of Health colleagues to improve the process. Cases can also be adjourned in order to allow further information or evidence to be gathered to allow applicants or their representatives to comment on specific issues.”
“We are also aware of the issues with the length of time that can be taken to reach a determination, but we are confident that the board is doing all that it can to make sure that applications are considered as quickly as possible. <BR /> <BR />With the scheme set to close to new applications in August 2026, we strongly encourage anyone who may be eligible to submit their application before that deadline. Support is available through a number of sectoral organisations, including WAVE Trauma Centre, the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Relatives for Justice, the Ely Centre and Ashton Community Trust, for anyone who needs help with the application process. I put on record our thanks to those groups, which offer tremendous support and advocacy for victims and survivors as they go through the process.”
“As of last week, 11,853 applications have been submitted to the victims' payments scheme. Payments totalling almost £108 million have been made to eligible applicants, offering meaningful recognition of the harm that they have suffered. The Victims' Payments Board is progressing applications as efficiently as possible and continues to work closely with victims and survivors' groups to make sure that any issues are flagged and addressed. Following a recent review of operations, the board has established a business transformation team to improve the processes. That has already had an impact on the value of awards paid out, which is reflected in the year-on-year increase in payments. There is, however, more work to do.”
“We need to prioritise our work on good relations, particularly through the Executive Office and other Departments. We have a real opportunity here through the T:BUC review, which includes FICT, and through the Urban Villages initiative, which is being reviewed by the Executive Office, to build on what actually works, tackle the remaining issues constructively and create conditions in which celebrations are safe, respectful and for everyone.”
“I thank the Member for that question. The vast majority of people celebrate their culture safely and respectfully and work really closely with our communities to make sure that bonfires are family-friendly and are enjoyed by all. However, a small number of unregulated and illegal bonfires raise concerns about safety and the environmental impact and have effigies and racist and sectarian hate all over them, and they need to be challenged.”
“I will refer that to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for a response. The land that you referred to in your question is in private ownership, and that has been a significant factor. We understand that, to mitigate the risk of asbestos-fibre release from the pile and protect members of the public, NIEA undertook a number of safety measures at the site. It is anticipated that the NIEA will shortly establish a multi-agency group to consider the asbestos issues at the Donegall Road site. In response to the question, I will refer your request to the First Minister and deputy First Minister.”
“If we are to continue to make progress towards a shared and better society, we need to learn lessons from the lack of regulation and look to regulation that places a focus on safety, public health and the environment.”
“The starting point for addressing illegal, unregulated and dangerous bonfires lies in the Chamber, and it demands political leadership. We need to be honest and say that the lack of regulation of bonfires just does not work. As political representatives, we cannot stay silent where there is a risk to health and safety and the environment, just as we cannot be silent when there are violent sectarian displays on bonfires. <BR /> <BR />Unfortunately, over the summer, we witnessed some bonfires that not only put public health and safety at risk and polluted our environment but were used to scapegoat migrants and promote hatred. A focus on safety and regulation in no way threatens or diminishes cultural celebration.”